Who started it? Although she's worked in fashion for more than a decade, Korean-American Doo-Ri Chung is considered part of the new generation of hot United States designers. Hers has been a quiet evolution. After graduating from New York's Parsons School of Design in 1995 she worked with Geoffrey Beene before launching her own collection in 2003, to critical acclaim. In 2005, she joined the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and a year later picked up three major awards. In 2008, she introduced a shoe line, focusing on a chunky-yet-feminine heel. Chung eschews the air-kissing ranks of the fashion world, opting instead for a down- to-earth career focused on design.
Why we love it: Doo.Ri pieces are comfortable and original. The look is sophisticated and feminine, with a quality and style built on genuine innovation rather than cheap tricks or retro revamps. Known for the drape of her jersey dresses, Chung applies couture techniques to sportswear fabrics. She says this modern juxtaposition comes from 'thinking of how to convey and accentuate the female form in innovative ways'. Her collections are cool, collected and versatile - and easier to wear than they look. A visit to Hong Kong to preview her spring/summer 2011 collection has ignited the designer's fan base locally.
What we'd pick: the shocking-orange dress with beaded side panels (HK$28,700) injects glamour into a basic shape. We also like the navy button-down shirtdress (HK$18,900), which brings a little mascu- linity to the silhouette.
Where can you get it? Doo.Ri is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.